December 07, 2009

Jumping with JOY about the new curtains!

Right now, they are just draped over the tension rod, but I think they deserve better than that. I've got some better ideas for hanging them, later when I get time.

Today was spent decking the halls, I still haven't unpacked from Miss Frenchie's sale. There are more photos from that event to show but I just had to post about my dream curtains first!

When Carol and I did an article for Romantic Country, she brought similar curtains for us to use to style the photos. I fell head over heels in love with them, and since then have been looking for some of my own.

Here is one of Carol's curtains, that we draped over a garden chair. This is the back of the chair, tied up with flowers and a vintage bag.

At the time, I didn't know that these panels were called "French netting" but I knew I wanted some.

I'm thrilled to get a set for my kitchen, plus one extra panel that went into the bedroom.

Right now, I am surrounded by boxes of Christmas pretties and am trying to get my home all decorated for the holidays before some buddies come over tomorrow for a holiday/birthday brunch. I'd have been ready, but had a little side track this afternoon, Sugarwings dropped by and wanted to help with the decorating project. She's cute, but her home decor skills need work.

So, I've gotten a bit behind. Oh well, it will get done. Whats up is up, what isn't will get shoved back into the closet to set up later.

I almost missed book club tonight to stay home and finish my hall decking after Sugarwings left with her Daddy. But then, I realized how silly that was! My home is about my happiness, and shouldn't be about slaving away to make it perfect! The friends coming over tomorrow will enjoy their breakfast just fine with only one Christmas tree decorated. I have a feeling that they won't even know the difference.

So, I went to book club, had a fun evening, laughing with friends and sipping wine and now will make up some fruit salad and an egg casserole for the morning. Then, I'll see what decorating I can finish up, and like I said, the rest of the opened boxes of decorations gets slid right back into the closet. If I don't have a chance to get any more done, then so what? I had a beautiful time with Sugarwings, and such fun at book club.

Those are the memories I'll keep, not the ones about how great my tablescape looked this year.

Hey, I'm not saying that pretty doesn't matter. It matters a LOT to me. And its worth the extra time to make things nice. But- not worth stressing out about or missing out on other fun times. So, I'll pretty up and do it with joy. When it becomes work instead of fun, that is when I know I need to step back and take a break.

Two of my favorite words at the holiday are Joy and Merry. Words to live by!

I made this banner from vintage album mats, bits of lace hand chrocheted by my Great Aunt Caroline, and French alphabet cards (although, what does it matter if they are French, if they are only a letter, not a word?? Who knows??)

The rhinestone baubles I added reminded me of the letters on each card. What do you think? In the close ups, can you see the shapes of the letters in the jeweled pieces?

Comments

I am so admiring the JOY with the cabinet card holders and rhinestones.....so very pretty. You are quite clever with your ideas! The curtains are also very grand and I can see why you were on the hunt for them. Thanks for the reality check on decorating the house, as I needed to hear it. I am trying to do too much, because like you , I love the pretties. We will get done what we can and enjoy it. Have a great breakfast with your friends!!

Ooh, I can see the letters now! I have enjoyed your last few posts so much, and especially want to thank you for the bottle brush tree idea!! I dyed some in really bright colors, and sold every single one at my sale last weekend. Folks think that I'm brilliant, thanks to your inspiration. Thank you Karla!

Karla, I love everything about this post! Your curtains(french netting)...they are gorgeous and they look beautiful up even on your tension rod :)Your Joy garland...I just love, love it, especially the jewels to match the letters, that was a great idea...But I especially love how they look infront of your gorgeous french netting. And my stars how I appreciate what you said about not stressing out...makes me feel alot better...you have no idea...Besos, Rose

You should do a tutorial on that Joy banner, I can never find those album pages here, I know I would buy that tutorial in a heartbeat :) ooh and maybe even hang a lil chandelier crystal from the bottom, to catch the light...oh please do a tutorial :)

Karla...I love your Joy Banner!....how absolutely beautiful...I think I know what craft I will adapt to my supplies...I don't think it's possible to have too many wonderful banners around :)...now if only I could find some of those beautiful album pages :)...Thanks for sharing your day...I am sure a day with Sugar Wings hands down beats the best day decorating...Decorating will always be there, but babies grow :)

Karla, I know how much work goes into a show, (that's why I don't do them anymore), let alone decorating your home and having guests over. You are in the 99th percentile when it comes to getting things done! I think your "Joy" banner is delightful, and I'm already cooking up a variation in my mind. I have quite a few album mats mouldering away in the basement!

Karla,
Ooooh La la! Love those beautiful curtains, I can see why you are so excited about them! And you are so right about all the decorating and the house being perfect! I needed to learn that when my parents were both very sick and my children were little, it took a while of struggling but when it finally hit me...it became my mantra. I try to keep a nice house but not to the point of sacrificing time with family and friends! Hugs and have fun at your brunch!
karen....

Oh Karla!!! I am so excited for you about the curtains!! They are just gorgeous and meant to be with you :)
I LOVE that banner SO MUCH, I cannot even tell you!!!!!! It is the prettiest ever. I would love to have one :)
Big Hugs,
Amy

Love the curtains, very etheral and French looking !( I would know ~Je suis Francaise)
So happy you enjoyed your day with Sugar Wings, you have the right idea, live each day with Joy in your heart !!
Words to live by!
Diane

Karla, your curtains are lovely. I really like how you did the JOY banner.
You are so right, pretty does matter but some things like making memories with Sugar Wings and enjoying the season are so important.

Karla,
Your past couple post have seriously been filled with so much eyecandy... I really wish I lived closer..Although, I think I'd be filing bankrupt.. I love that beautiful lace panel and that Joy banner...
Stephenie

I would be jumping for joy too. What lovely curtain panels you have. I had similiar pieces in the old Queen Anne Victorian I lived in years ago. We had 48 windows and not one was the same size. It was a challenge finding unique lace pieces but a wonderful treasuare hunt. Your Joy cards are striking and a wonderful marriage with your lace panels. Sea Witch

Looooooooooove your new curtains! So beautiful!
And I whole-heartedly agree with what you said about what's important. I want to ENJOY my decorating, not stress about it. What I get done will be enjoyed, what I don't doesn't really matter!
:)
~Becca~

The curtains look WONDERFUL in your kitchen. I'm so glad that you love them and got them. It was just meant to be. I love your banner too. I'm still so tired after the show and had to work all day yesterday at the Mall...and I STILL don't have my car unloaded from the show either. Oh well..it shall get done. We also have a huge snow today. It's beautiful to look at from the inside of the house. *ha!

Karla, I just love the curtains!!! You are so adorable having them draped around you sweetie, looks like something I would do!!! And I love your attitude too, we must slow down and enjoy our lives, our friends know we are not perfect ~ enjoy the moment....hugs and love, Dawn

The banner is lovely and I'm so glad you pointed out how you chose the jewels so I'd take a closer look. The curtains are to die for. It's so fun to finally find something you've been looking for, forever. I am doing the same thing with decorations - whatever didn't get put up before my husband's birthday party Saturday got put back in boxes, and now I'm thinking it's already enough and I'll leave it as it is!

Hi Karla! I LOVE the curtains and they are obviously so functional..not just for hanging! LOL!!! So so beautiful!!!
Hope you had a lovely day with your friends. Is it your birthday??? You banner turned out lovely! You are a genius when it comes to using the most wonderful & unique items in your work. Let me guess...it took you 5 minutes to make? tee! hee! Happy Holidays sweet friend! XO,Jenn

I am soooooo glad you enlightened me about "French Netting" because I bought one beautiful piece when I was in Round Top the summer. And I like you thought it was a lace curtain... silly girls. Now that we have that settled do you have any idea where I could find a couple more? Did you buy them all? If you have info you could share I would appreciate it. Thanks for sharing & I LOVED you banner but, more than that your attitude. You were right to go to the book club.

How awesome are those curtains? Just gorgeous! Love, love, love the JOY banner. I may be copying that idea (just for me). Do you mind? Thank you so much for your beautiful blog. It just fills my heart with, well, joy! I know it's hard, but you manage to post A Lot. Much appreciated. And you are always so positive, and even your dimple-faced smile makes me smile. Your little Sugarwings is so beautiful. So, thank you for sharing with us. It really does enrich our lives, too. What did you read for book club and what's up next? I'm always interested in what people are reading. You should share about your book readings, too. Thanks Karla. Mona

Yep! You definitely have your Priorities straight! And, you are still young enough to get it all done anyway. I am always amazed at how much you accomplish and have the energy to do. Those days are past for me! :)

That's good reason to jump for joy, I think. The curtains kind of remind me of a veil, particularly one that seems to be a family heirloom of some sort. Well, if it was a veil, it's doing a good job at being a window curtain!